Mount Kailash - a spiritual epicenter and religious phenomena

Mount Kailash, often referred to as the ‘Abode of Lord Shiva,’ is one of the world's most sacred and revered sites. Nestled in the remote reaches of Western Tibet, this majestic peak stands as a spiritual axis, deeply significant to multiple religious traditions. Pilgrims from across the globe embark on the arduous yet rewarding journey to Kailash, seeking spiritual fulfillment and divine connection.

We are referring to Mount Kailash, a massive black granite with great theological significance. It is thought by Hindus to be the residence of Lord Shiva and his spouse, Parvati. Jains refer to it as Astapada, or the "eight-stepped mountain," because they think this is where Rishaba, the first of the 24 Tirthankaras (enlightened beings), attained knowledge. It is referred to as Tise by Bon adherents, who consider it to be the home of the Sky Goddess. Referred to as the "Precious One of Glacial Snow," by Tibetan Buddhists, Demchok is the angry incarnation of Sakyamuni Buddha, and he lives there with his consort Dorje Phagmo.

Besides, whatever the concept is for this magical mountain, we all know it holds great spiritual significance and beliefs.

The Geographic and Spiritual Significance of Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash, standing at 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) above sea level, is located in Western Tibet. This remote region, known as the Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region of China, is not only geographically striking but also spiritually revered. The mountain is situated near Lake Mansarovar and Lake Rakshastal, two bodies of water that add to its mystical aura.

Lake Mansarovar on the other hand is one of the world's highest freshwater lakes, situated close to Mount Kailash and rises to a height of 4,590 meters. Buddhism, Bon, and Hinduism all regard the lake as sacred. Immersion in the sacred waters of Mansarovar Lake is said to cleanse the soul and erase transgressions. You can gather the water from the Lake and take a shower, even if dipping and swimming are not allowed.

As opposed to Mansarovar, Rakshah Lake is believed to be poisonous, no fresh is found in Rakshah Lake. Legend has it that Ravana performed intense austerities on the shores of this lake to appease Lord Shiva. Some tales even suggest that the lake formed from Ravana's tears or that he made daily offerings to Shiva at this very spot.

Where is Kailash Parvat Located?

Mount Kailash is located in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. Specifically, it lies near the source of some of Asia’s most significant rivers, including the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali, which is a tributary of the sacred Ganges. The exact coordinates are approximately 31.0689° N latitude and 81.3119° E longitude. This places Kailash Parvat in one of the most remote and spiritually resonant regions of the world.

Spiritual Significance and the Axis Mundi

Mount Kailash is often described as the spiritual center of the universe, or ‘Axis Mundi.’ For thousands of years, it has been revered as the physical embodiment of the spiritual world, connecting heaven and earth. This concept of Axis Mundi is found in various spiritual traditions, where a particular place is seen as a focal point where the divine and the mortal intersect.

Around Kailash, in the regions of Shambhala and Agartha, lie two dungeons. These two groups comprise human civilization. These two highly developed civilizations originated in the Himalayas and the Gobi Desert, respectively. The global energy grid system, made up of the Pyramids of Egypt, the Pyramids of Mexico, Easter Island, Stonehenge, and the North Pole connects mystical and energy sites, centered on Mount Kailash.

Researchers have assumed that, in reality, the summit of Mount Kailash is a man-made vacuum pyramid. There are more than a hundred little pyramids all around it. It is thought to have been constructed by a highly developed civilization that was aware of the twist field and other subtle laws of energy, as well as how to use time and energy. The Egyptian pyramid is only 146 meters high, whereas the direct height of the pyramid complex is estimated to be between 100 and 1,800 meters. If verified, its size would surpass that of any modern pyramid.

The Kailash range is thought by some scientists to be an energy vortex that uplifts the body and psyche. People claim that spending 12 hours near Kailash causes their fingernails and hair to grow faster than they would normally, which is the equivalent of two weeks. However, Mount Kailash has always been a religious phenomenon to devotees of several religions to connect in center of the Earth.

Religious Connections: Mount Kailash in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon

Mount Kailash is unique in that it holds profound significance across four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon religion. Each tradition views the mountain through a distinct spiritual lens, yet all regard it as a sacred site where the physical world meets the divine.

Kailash Parvat has long been a sacred repository, chosen by powerful spiritual entities and deities such as Shiva, Rishabadev, the Bon saints, Agastyamuni, the Nayanmars, and two of the greatest Buddhist masters, to safeguard their divine creations and teachings. This revered mountain stands as a hallowed ground where these enlightened beings entrusted their profound works.

Many mystics across the globe, despite their immense wisdom, consider themselves fortunate if they can share even a fraction of their insights with those around them. Often, they do not even get that chance. Therefore, they choose to leave their sacred legacies in places that, while accessible to true seekers, remain untouched by the crowds. Kailash, with its profound spiritual energy and remote serenity, is one such divine sanctuary.

In Hinduism, Mount Kailash is revered as the abode of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of the Hindu pantheon. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva resides atop Mount Kailash in a state of perpetual meditation, making it the ultimate pilgrimage site for devotees. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which involves circumambulating the mountain and visiting the nearby Lake Mansarovar, is considered a profound spiritual experience that can cleanse the soul of sins and bring one closer to Moksha, or liberation.

In yogic tradition, Shiva is revered as the first yogi, the Adiyogi, and the Adi Guru, the first teacher of yogic science. He imparted this profound knowledge to his first seven disciples, the Saptarishis. Recognized as the greatest mystic, Shiva chose Mount Kailash as the sacred repository of his wisdom. When we refer to Kailash as the "Abode of Shiva," it signifies that his knowledge and energy are embedded in this holy peak, making his divine wisdom alive and accessible to all who seek it.

For Tibetan Buddhists, Mount Kailash is the spiritual home of Demchok (also known as Chakrasamvara), a wrathful deity representing supreme bliss often referred to as Mount Meru. The mountain is seen as a mandala, a spiritual diagram of the universe, and pilgrims undertake the Kailash Kora, a 52-kilometer trek around the mountain, as an act of devotion and spiritual purification.

In Jainism, Mount Kailash is known as Ashtapada, the site where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attained liberation. it is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Jains, symbolizing the path to spiritual enlightenment and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

The Bon religion, which predates Buddhism in Tibet, also holds Mount Kailash in high regard. According to Bon tradition, the mountain is the sacred nine-story Swastika, symbolizing the axis of the universe. Bon pilgrims believe that circumambulating Mount Kailash can bring spiritual enlightenment and connection with the divine.

The Journey: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

You have several options to reach Darchen, including a 6-day drive from Xigatse to Ali, or from Kashgar via Ali via Mainland China. Another option is the route from Nepal’s Simikot route via Purang to Mount Kailash. The journey from Simikot, located in the remote northwestern district of Humla, takes you to Hilsa on the western border of Nepal. From Hilsa, you enter Tibet and proceed to Taklakot in the Purang Valley, eventually reaching Manasarovar. To begin this route, you must first travel to Nepalgunj in western Nepal, either by air or road and then catch a flight to Simikot. From Simikot, the trekking path follows the roaring Karnali River up to the Tibetan border. After crossing the Nara-la pass, the trail descends steeply to the border town of Hilsa in Tibet. From there, you can take a four-wheeler ride to Purang, passing through the Dolma-La pass at 18,417 feet, leading you to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar.

One of the most trending and continual operation options is the Kailash Overland route via the Kerung border. This itinerary is for Nepalese citizens. Check this overland itinerary if you are a Non-Resident Indian or Foreigners. Most of the routes join at Saga and continue to Lake Mansarovar, a freshwater lake revered in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Pilgrims perform rituals and take a dip in the sacred waters before beginning the Kailash Kora.

The Kora involves circumambulating Mt.Kailash, covering a distance of 52 kilometers. The most challenging part of the trek is crossing the Dolma La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 5,630 meters (18,471 feet). This pass is symbolic of the journey through life and death, with pilgrims often leaving behind personal items as offerings.

The Kailash Kora is not just a physical challenge; it’s a deeply spiritual experience. Pilgrims believe that completing the Kora can absolve sins and bring them closer to enlightenment. Along the route, there are various significant points where pilgrims stop to pray, meditate, and connect with the divine presence that is believed to permeate the mountain.

The Ministry of External Affairs in India used to facilitate the Yatra for Indian citizens, providing guidelines and support for pilgrims in a quota system, Indian Pilgrims can reach Kailash-Mansarovar from Tanakpur or Kathgodam by traveling through Dharchula, Tawaghat, and the scenic Lipulekh, Darma, and Johar valleys. From the Lipulekh Pass, Mount Kailash lies approximately 100 km away. The Dharchula-Lipulekh road is an extension of the Pithoragarh-Tawaghat-Ghatiabagarh route. This road begins at Ghatiabagarh and ends at Lipulekh Pass, with the elevation rising from 6,000 feet to 17,060 feet along the way.

Travelers can only use the government-approved route and join the pilgrimage organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Tourist Co. of Ali (in Tibet) after completing all required formalities. others not selected or who want private yatra experience chose to pursue with Tour Operator. However, the Yatra has been suspended for the Pilgrims with Indian Passports.

Non-residence Indians, with foreign passports can easily apply for the Yatra with a Travel Agency, as there are limited Kailash Operators, we suggest you check the background of Kailash Yatras. If you want to apply for Mount Kailash Yatra you can directly contact us over WhatsApp or email as your feasibility, we have been constantly operating Mount Kailash Tours with a complete success of trip and high succession rate of Kailash Kora.

The Role of Tour Operators and Planning Your Pilgrimage

Given the remote location and challenging conditions, it’s essential to plan your Kailash Manasarovar Yatra carefully. Tour operators play a crucial role in ensuring that pilgrims have a safe and meaningful experience. When planning your pilgrimage, selecting a reliable tour operator is key. Look for operators with extensive experience in organizing Kailash tours, as they will be familiar with the region's unique challenges and can provide the necessary logistical support. These operators typically handle everything from Tibet Invitation and essential permits, Tibet Group Visa, and transportation to accommodation and guides with support staff.

Mount Kailash: A Symbol of Universal Spirituality

Mount Kailash’s significance transcends religious boundaries, standing as a symbol of universal spirituality. Whether you are a devout follower of one of the associated religions or simply a spiritual seeker, the journey to Kailash offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the divine.

Interestingly, Mt.Kailash remains unclimbed, despite numerous attempts by mountaineers. The peak is considered so sacred that it is forbidden to set foot on it. This reverence for the mountain reflects its status as a symbol of the divine, untouchable by human ambition. The area surrounding Mount Kailash is equally steeped in spiritual significance. Lake Mansarovar, in particular, is believed to be the source of purity and a reflection of heaven on earth. Pilgrims often spend time in deep reflection and prayer by the lake before or after completing the Kailash Kora.

Conclusion

Mount Kailash is more than just a mountain; it is a beacon of spiritual significance, a place where the physical and the divine meet. For those who embark on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the journey is a profound expression of faith, devotion, and spiritual awakening. Whether viewed through the lens of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, or the Bon religion, Mount Kailash stands as a testament to the enduring power of spirituality in the human experience.

If you’re considering this pilgrimage, know that it is a journey that will challenge you physically, enrich you spiritually, and leave you with a deep sense of connection to something greater than yourself. As your Kailash Tour Agency, we are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your journey to the Holy Mount Kailash is as meaningful and fulfilling as possible."